Beards are one of the most natural things when it comes to men. After all, there were no razor blades available when we lived in caves. Hunting animals in order to survive, all whilst rocking an epic beard. Given they are extremely natural, it’s extremely ironic that we are relatively clueless when it comes to growing & maintaining a beard. After-all, it’s only in the last 10 years that beards have become extremely popular, with retailers stocking several beard products; beard balms, oils, beard combs and loads more.
Are all these different beard products the same, just in different packaging? Would you be surprised to hear that a beard oil and beard balm are completely different?
Beard Oil Or Beard Balm? What’s The Difference:
Beard balm or beard oil is a really frequently asked question. Some guys with epic beards swear by one product, whereas others state that the other is the only product you need. Whilst an element of the answer to ‘beard oil or beard balm’ is down to your personal choice, there are fundamental differences between the 2 different products.
A beard balm is a beard specific hair pomade which is made via mixing, heating and cooling sealants & moisturisers together, result in a harder, solid like paste. Whereas, a beard oil is a moisturiser containing essential oils, aimed at having a long-term impact on the health and moisture of the hair; making the hair less coarse and easier to manage.
What Is A Beard Balm?
A beard balm is the equivalent of what a hair gel is for your head, vs. a beard oil which is what a skincare product is the face. Beard balms are used to help shape your beard ahirs, helping you to achieve your desired style. They provide hold but also moisturise your facial hair.
A good beard balm is one that contains natured sealants (waxy-like substances) like beeswax or shea butter. Avoid cheaper, synthetic sealants that can be found in cheaper beard balms is our advice.
Beard balms are great at helping to give the look of a thicker, fuller beard. This makes a beard balm perfect for a thin, patchy beard.
If you are looking for an all-in-one leave in beard conditioner and styling aid that is easy to use, an all natural beard balm is the product we recommend.
How To Use A Beard Balm:
Using a beard balm couldn’t be easier.
- Wash your beard prior to using a beard balm with soap
- Towel dry your beard
- Rub a pea-size amount of balm between your palms
- Run your fingers through your facial hair, starting from the neck and working your way up the face
- Rub your balm into the skin where your beard grows to help nourish the facial hair at the roots
- Reverse and run your fingers through your beard in a downward motion, top to bottom.
- Apply some more with your fingertips to your moustache and hair around your mouth. Use the balm to style this hair into the style or direction of your choice.
- Ensure you have distributed the balm evenly through your beard (using a beard brush if preferred)
Our Recommend Beard Balm
There are a few different brands of beard balms available now. One of our favourite beard brands is the Brighton Beard Company and the Creampot Tom’s Beard Balm in Lime & Basil from the Brighton Beard Company has to be up there as one of our favourite balms.
The balm contains Shea Butter, Beeswax and Jojoba Oil and essential oils Lime & Basil making it a natural and great smelling beard balm.
Perfect for softening hairs, repairing split ends and moisturising skin and hair. Whilst giving some styling control.
Buy it from BeardBuys.com for under £10.
What Is A Beard Oil?
Our post on Why You Need To Be Using A Beard Oil goes into a lot of detail on beard oils and why you need to be using one. Top line, a beard oil is an equivalent of what a moisturiser is the the skin. A product which will have a long-term impact, helping to keep your hair moisturised and in good health.
Beard oils typically come in a bottle or pump and are slightly more mainstream than a beard balm. You can find several different brands of beard oils in most high-street retailers and grocery stores. Again, similar to a beard balm, we recommend going for a product that has natural ingredients in, such as argan or jojoba oil.
You can pick up beard oils in a wide variety of different scents, helping to keep beards smelling fresh and clean. Beard oils also help to keep the beard looking clean too!
Hopefully you’re now clear on the difference between a beard balm and beard oil and understand why we laugh when people think they are the same!